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Does an apple a day really keep the doctor away?

By LEIGH ZALESKI Daily Record/Sunday News

Updated:
10/23/2012 02:53:12 PM EDT

Kim Riffey of Red Lion receives an apple from Kara Kehm outside Central Market in York. Family First Health handed out apples in October to promote its health literacy campaign, 'Starts With Apples.' October is Health Literacy Month and National Apple Month. (DAILY RECORD/SUNDAY NEWS - PAUL KUEHNEL)

Health experts say the adage 'An apple a day keeps the doctor away' could be true. 'I like to tell patients to color their plates,' said Dr. Wanda Filer of Family First Health in York. 'An apple is going to be in that selection group.' (DAILY RECORD/SUNDAY NEWS - PAUL KUEHNEL)

York, PA -

With apples abounding in autumn, we know you've been wondering: Does an apple a day reallykeep the doctor away?

If so, the adage could be the answer to rising health care costs. Just kidding.

However, experts say you could benefit from eating more of the fruit.

Dr. Wanda Filer of Family First Health in York said apples might not be the golden ticket to good health, but people benefit from diets that are higher in fruits and vegetables.

"I like to tell patients to color their plates," she said. "An apple is going to be in that selection group."

Filer said color represents antioxidants, which can reduce risk for some cancers and heart disease. Fruits and vegetables also are low in fat and high in fiber.

She said diet is a huge factor in chronic disease, which accounts for 70 percent of deaths in the U.S. Poor nutrition and a lack of physical activity contribute to those deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Filer recommends that people eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day.

"An apple is a good start," she said. "We have to start somewhere."

Jodie Orwig, chief clinical dietitian at Gettysburg Hospital, agreed with Filer. She said all fruits and vegetables help people stay healthy because they contain phytochemicals and phytonutrients.

And, she said, properties of an apple might provide an added punch.

For example, apples have vitamin C, which helps build up the immune system and heal skin. Their juice might prevent tooth decay by killing bacteria. The fruit might help stop neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's, and it has pectin, a fiber that reduces bad cholesterol.

"Heck, it's hard not to eat an apple a day if it can stop a lot of these things from happening," Orwig said.

Plus, apples are low in calories -- 70 to 100 per piece of fruit.

"When somebody is having a craving for something sweet, instead of eating candy, they can select an apple," Orwig said.

She touted York and Adams counties as prime locations for apple growing and said residents' access to quality fruit is an advantage.

But ultimately, health professionals want people to eat more fruits and vegetables in general.

Orwig said people want healthy choices that are simple and fast. What's easier than washing an apple and taking a bite?

"We always like to say, 'If people don't have time for healthy eating, sooner or later, they're going to have to find the time for illness.'" 717-771-2101; @leighzaleski

--- In 2011, 21,000 acres of state land bearing apples contributed almost $80 million to the state's economy, with approximately $3 million coming from exports to places such as Central America, Israel and India. -- www.pennsylvaniaapples.org

Origin

"An apple a day keeps the doctor away" is derived from the old English saying, "Ate an apfel avore gwain to bed, make the doctor beg his bread." The author is unknown.

For the dough: Process flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in food processor until combined, about 15 seconds. Scatter butter and shortening over flour mixture and pulse until mixture resembles wet sand, about 10 pulses; transfer to bowl. Stir in buttermilk until dough forms. Turn out onto lightly floured work surface and knead briefly until dough is cohesive. Press dough into an 8-by-4-inch rectangle. Cut in half, wrap each half tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.

For the apple dumplings: Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 425 degrees. Combine sugar and cinnamon in small bowl. In second bowl, combine butter, raisins, and 3 tablespoons of the cinnamon sugar mixture. Peel apples and halve through equator. Remove core and pack butter mixture into each apple half.

On lightly floured counter, roll each dough half into a 12-inch square. Cut each 12-inch square into four 6-inch squares. Working with one at a time, lightly brush edges of dough square with egg white and place apple, cut side up, in center of each square. Gather dough 1 corner at a time on top of apple, crimping edges to seal. Use a paring knife to cut a vent hole in the top of each dumpling.

Bring cider, water, sugar, and cinnamon to a simmer in small saucepan and cook over medium high heat until thickened and reduced to 11/2 cups, about 15 minutes. Off heat, whisk in butter and lemon juice. Drizzle over dumplings to serve.